Rising star Ko, coach part ways

WELLINGTON – Guy Wilson, teen golfer Lydia Ko’s long-time coach, said Monday that the New Zealander had split with him after 11 years, leaving him “incredibly disappointed.”

Wilson, who has coached the world No. 4 since she was just 5 years old, confirmed he had been fired by Ko, who signed with management giant IMG this month after turning pro in October.

“When I first met her, the golf clubs were taller than she was and she didn’t know the first thing about a driver or a putter, but now she has one of the most envied swings of the women’s golf world,” Wilson said in a statement.

He said he wished the 16-year-old the best in “what I’m sure will be a hugely successful golfing career.”